Additions to soccer complex on schedule

June 25, 2013 9:56:52 AM

Nathan Gregory - ngregory@cdispatch.com

Construction of a second concession facility at Columbus' soccer complex is complete and an additional 100 parking spaces should be available by September, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority Director Roger Short says.

Also in progress is the installation of culverts which will allow a connection between the Highway 82 bypass and Coretta Street, giving the complex another entrance. Short said culvert installation and pouring asphalt to make way for the new entrance should be completed by the end of September.

The new 1,500-square-foot concession/restroom facility addresses a complaint Short said he frequently fielded last year. The added facilities give the complex three restrooms areas, two built for the complex and one at the Hitching Lot Farmers Market. The two concession areas include five restrooms for each gender and are handicap accessible, Short said. Also with that addition comes some aesthetic upgrades.

"We did a nice concrete courtyard out in front of it with trees and I've got picnic tables coming that we'll set up out front out there," Short said. "It's a really nice facility. The city and county joined forces together as far as coming up with the money for us to make that project complete."

Furnishing overflow parking required the purchase of some adjacent land, including a .18-acre lot on the corner of Third Street North and Seventh Avenue North. CLRA is in the process of finishing paperwork to buy an additional half-acre on Third Street North across from the championship loop, he said.

All upgrades should be complete by the time the complex hosts its first major state-wide tournament, the Coaches Cup, which will be held in November, he said.

"It just takes time," Short said. "You know, we're getting there and it's a super, super facility, and once everything is completed, we think everybody will be pleased."